Assessment Of Fractal Dimension And Panoramic Radiomorphometric Indices In Crack–Cocaine-Addicted Men: A Cross-Sectional Study

The impact of crack–cocaine dependence on the quality and microarchitecture of the mandibular bone tissue requires further investigation. This cross-sectional study evaluated the fractal dimension and panoramic radiomorphometric indices in crack–cocaine-addicted men. Panoramic radiographs were obtained from 24 addicted and 24 nonaddicted men (control individuals) between the ages of 18 years and 60 years. The fractal dimensions of four different regions, along with the cortical mandibular, mental, and panoramic mandibular indices, were evaluated bilaterally. Significance level of 5% (p = 0.05) was adopted in the statistical analysis. Mean fractal dimension value of all the four different regions of the jaw in the addict group (1.27 ± 0.05) was lower than that of the nonaddict group (1.32 ± 0.03; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the inter-group panoramic radiomorphometric indices were not significantly different (p ≥ 0.16). Mean fractal dimension value was associated with the duration of addiction (R = 0.47; p = 0.01), contrary to the indices (p ≥ 0.10). Crack–cocaine addiction and longer duration of addiction were associated with lower fractal dimension values in the mandibular bone. Therefore, patients and dentists should be aware of this condition while planning periodontal, implant, and orthodontic therapies. Furthermore, crack–cocaine patients should be referred to a specialist for the evaluation of osteoporosis and osteopenia.